Tea output up 6 million kg even as southern region exports hit

The country's tea production has witnessed a rise during the January-July period even as exports of tea from the southern region has suffered a setback.

According to an estimate by the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, the total output had registered a rise of 6 million kg to 112.6 million kg during the period. During the same period in 2004, the production was at 106.8 million kg and in 2003, the figure was 105.2 million kg.

In 2005, Tamil Nadu and Kerala produced more tea than the preceding year. Tamil Nadu enjoyed the top position in south India with 78.1 million kg (74.8 million kg in the year-ago period) followed by Kerala with 31.5 million kg (28.9 million kg). The production in Karnataka stood at 30 lakh kg.

Meanwhile, export of south Indian variety of tea declined by 3.97 million kg during the seven-month period. A total of 36.93 million kg was exported during January-July 2005 as against 40.9 million kg during the corresponding period last fiscal.

There has been a drop in the average price realisation in the said period because of the severe competition in the global tea market.

Meanwhile, the association will conduct a speciality auction trading on October 18 and 19 as part of its efforts to promote quality products by the United Planters Association Southern India (Upasi).

Upasi, in association with the Tea Board, had conducted a competition for various south Indian tea grades at Coonoor recently. The tea grades that entered the final round of the competition will be auctioned at a special auction trading.

The competition - the first of its kind in the country - and the special auction will showcase premium tea grades from different parts of south India.

The competitions were held for six regional categories such as Nilgiris, Travancore, Wynad, High Ranges, Karnataka and Anamalai.